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Abstract

An apparatus for disintegrating a calculus in the human body by an underwater shock wave produced outside the human body. The apparatus includes a shock wave generation chamber having an inner surface in the shape of a part of a pseudo-ellipsoid of revolution having an opening therein. Also provided is a shock wave generation source positioned at the first focus of the pseudo-ellipsoid of revolution. In addition, a flexible container housing a liquid is attached to the shock wave generation chamber so that the liquid from the flexible container fills up the shock wave generation chamber. The flexible container containing the liquid is brought into contact with the human body, and the shock wave generation chamber is displaced so as to deform the flexible container, until the calculus in the human body is positioned at the second focus of the pseudo-ellipsoid of revolution. As a result of this positioning of the calculus of the human body at the second focus of the pseudo-ellipsoid of revolution, when a shock wave is generated at the first focus, a sufficiently high pressure can be generated at the second focus so as to disintegrate the calculus.

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First Claim